Crop progress report 09/03: Precipitation reported across Washington

From the National Agricultural Statistics Service There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Washington, down from 6.9 days reported the previous week. It remained dry in western Washington. Nonirrigated grass forage production was down in this region, along with corn and grains. Pumpkins appeared to be maturing too early for agritourism. The quality of berries, flowers, and fresh market vegetables was good. Vegetable seed crop yields varied. Central Washington finally had a meaningful rain. In Yakima County, tree fruit harvest continued with Bartlett pears and early maturing apple varieties like Gala and Honeycrisp. Vegetable crews were harvesting peppers, tomatoes, and squashes over the weekend. Hop harvest started in earnest. Northeast Washington received quite a bit of precipitation, which halted fieldwork in some areas.

Washington crop progress:

Winter wheat harvested: 96% this week 94% last week 92% last year 94% 5-year average Winter wheat planted: 9% this week 7% last week 7% last year 18% 5-year average Spring wheat harvested: 83% this week 78% last week 75% last year 79% 5-year average Barley harvested: 82% this week 79% last week 74% last year 80% 5-year average Dry edible peas harvested: 71% this week 60% last week 70% last year 79% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 3rd cutting: 82% this week 78% NA last week 57% last year 76% 5-year average Alfalfa hay 4th cutting: 27% this week 25% last week NA last year NA 5-year average